Pacemaker usage

A recent visit to the doctor for a three month monitoring disclosed my pacemaker usage is 40% on top and 70% bottom. I'm shocked because three months prior she said I didn't use my passmaker (which I question) during that three month period.  I do exercise, however, this year I've only been able to exercise 80 of 211 days. Kaiser cardio now  says they will only be able to see me every 6 months instead of every 3 months. I can however set appointments when I feel they are needed but they will only date monitoring 6 months in advance. Just turned 74 yrs old have workout out for over 30 yrs. Currently  after workouts I feel very tired and need to rest. I go to the YMCA every other day. Last January I contacted a virus which is quite common here in Los Angeles and could not go to the Y for a total of 23 days. The virus returned because of my carelessness by not allowing  enough recovery time. I'm probably one these old guys who jsut doesn't get it and feels able to carry on as usual.   Clearly my concern is increased usage. I don't take any meds  since my implant 3 years ago. I do however take vitamins along with blood pressure meds etc. Any other work out buddies out there experience the same. Thanks very much appreciate you views. 

2 Comments

usage

by Tracey_E - 2016-07-30 13:01:06

Sounds like the time they said no pacing was probably incorrect. Maybe they had someone else's report, maybe they looked at the wrong number, but it's unlikely you suddenly stopped pacing for a few months then went back to your previous normal usage. If you feel good, then you are pacing the right amount for you so don't stress over the numbers.

If you are not feeling well with exercise, ask for a stress test so they can watch what's going on. Also, don't assume it's cardiac, check with your gp and get some blood work done. 

Regular exercise has minimal impact on pacing percentages. One hour a day is a small fraction of 24/7. 

exercise

by marylandpm - 2016-08-01 07:29:15

I'm 73 years old and had a PM implant on 6/01/2015 due to complete heart block so I am paced 100%. I have been trail bike riding and lifting weights for 20 yrs. I had to cut back on the intensity of my exercise to keep from going into afib.

Do you keep copies of the you device check reports? I alway get a copy of device checks, EKG's, echo test and the record from the hospital that installed the PM. 

 

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.